> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # New chair and trustees join DanceEast board - URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/new-chair-and-trustees-join-danceeast-board/ - Published: 2026-09-15T08:12:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-15T08:20:59.000Z - Description: The BAFTA-winning producer behind Peaky Blinders and Billy Elliot, Greg Brenman, has been named Chair of DanceEast, as the Ipswich charity welcomes three new trustees to its board. - Author: Nicola Sebastian - Tags: News, DanceEast **Why it matters:** The appointments come as DanceEast finalises a new business plan due to launch in April 2027, giving the organisation a refreshed board to help shape its next chapter. **The details:** Greg Brenman's appointment as Chair followed a six-month recruitment process led by outgoing Chair Shreela Ghosh, supported by a nominations committee of trustees. It was confirmed at a DanceEast Board meeting on Monday, 14 September 2026. Brenman is a BAFTA award-winning television producer with more than 35 years' experience in the industry. He has produced dramas including *Peaky Blinders*, *The English* and *Steal*, as well as the feature film *Billy Elliot*. He is co-founder of Drama Republic, one of the UK's leading independent drama production companies, and is also a trustee of local theatre company Hightide. He takes over from Ghosh, who steps down after five years as Chair, and joins a year after Anthony Missen became DanceEast's Chief Executive and Creative Director. **The new trustees:** Three further trustees were appointed at the same board meeting: - **David Farrow**, who was born in Ipswich, spent more than 35 years working in finance across UK and international markets. He has served as a trustee of local charity Green Light Trust for nine years. - **Georgiana van Walsum** is founder of Instillness, a creative and strategic studio advising international organisations and individuals on commercial strategy, brand and communications. She has a background in both science and design and has held senior leadership roles in Paris, Milan and London. She keeps a creative practice of her own in Suffolk and joins the board as a long-standing DanceEast audience member. - **Kerry Whelan** is Executive Director and joint Chief Executive of theatre company Frantic Assembly, and was previously Executive Director of dance company BalletBoyz for 12 years. With more than 30 years' experience in the cultural and creative industries, he has produced shows at Sadler's Wells, the Royal Festival Hall, the Royal Opera House, the National Theatre and the Roundhouse, as well as films for the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky Arts. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/09/Kerry-Whelan-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/09/Greg-Brenman-by-Claudia-Leisinger-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/09/Georgiana-van-Walsum-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/09/David-Farrow-1.jpg) New chair and trustees joining the DanceEast board. From L to R: Kerry Whelan, Greg Brenman, Georgiana van Walsum and David Farrow (Photo: DanceEast) **What they're saying:** Brenman said: "Coming from the world of independent film and television, and as fan of contemporary dance, I couldn't be more excited to take on the role of Chair at such a dynamic organisation, based in a wonderful building in the heart of Ipswich. DanceEast is already one of the UK's leading places to make and tour dance, with strong and successful community engagement, and I look forward to supporting Anthony in achieving his exciting and ambitious plans." Ghosh said: "Storytelling and creativity are at the heart of everything that Greg does. He is committed to the growth and development of DanceEast and brings an excellent understanding of the current landscape for culture in the East of England. Working with Anthony, Greg will drive the next chapter of the organisation. The Board is delighted to welcome him as the new Chair." Missen said: "Greg joins us as we finalise our business plan which builds on and cements DanceEast's unparalleled contribution to the UK's dance sector. Our plan outlines a bold future for DanceEast and is brimming with opportunity and potential. Greg brings his pioneering and entrepreneurial approach at the perfect moment, and I look forward to working together to make our bold vision a reality." He added: "I would like to thank Shreela for her outstanding contribution as Chair, which included steering the organisation through the post Covid-19 era, and overseeing a leadership transition that resulted in the appointment of both me and Greg. Shreela has acted as a supportive mentor during my first year as Chief Executive & Creative Director and has contributed to our new business plan." **The bottom line:** With a new Chair, three new trustees and a business plan on the horizon, DanceEast's board now brings together expertise from television, finance, strategy and theatre as the organisation prepares for the next chapter of their story. --- **Don't forget:** If you enjoy our content, please [add Ipswich.co.uk as a "preferred source" on Google](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=ipswich.co.uk&ref=ipswich.co.uk) so you can easily find more of the content you value. [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=ipswich.co.uk&ref=ipswich.co.uk) --- ### This article cost us \~£27 to produce It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners. Please support us by supporting them.